What is UHMWPE Material and How Is It Used?

UHMW stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, as previously noted. This robust yet adaptable material boasts excellent abrasion, impact and wear resistance while remaining light weight. UHMW's large molecular weight range between 3-6 million molecules is responsible for its extraordinary qualities - this makes UHMW an excellent solution in high temperature locations as it won't melt or turn into liquid form!

Polyethylene plastic offers many useful applications. When safety precautions must be taken, its strength and longevity make it suitable. Let's explore UHMWPE Material as we look into its possible commercial or industrial usage benefits.

Automotives

UHMWPE can find great use in applications where components operate at room temperature, such as automotive doors, seats and hand levers; worn strip found within automobile doors often utilize UHMWPE wear strips as an affordable alternative to more costly PTFE ones.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure. While legal restrictions restrict the use of any material other than PTFE for POT bearings, UHMWPE could still find use in several sliding bearing applications that don't meet government regulations - for instance plain sliding pads and bearings made out of UHMWPE could work successfully.

Electronics

PTFE is widely used as insulation in electronics component parts. We have conducted successful UHMWPE trials for these applications in numerous instances and convinced customers to switch over.

Food Service Cabinetry

Materials used in food service should be easily sanitized in order to prevent mold and germ growth, while being robust enough to withstand potentially harsh cleansers. UHMW material has proven durable enough for such challenges while being rust-proof; best of all, there's an array of finishes available so as to match current decor effortlessly.

UHMW Polyethylene Body armor

You might be surprised to learn that UHMW plastic is an ideal material for body armor due to its impact resistance and lightweight feel, which makes wearing it comfortable while allowing it to be easily formed into various sizes and forms for shaping armor correctly.

UHMW polyethylene conveyor system

UHMWPE material is well suited to conveyor systems due to its ability to withstand high temperatures, frequent stress levels and chemical exposure. Furthermore, star wheels made out of this material allow faster movement through assembly and sorting processes.

UHMW polyethylene dock

UHMW polyethylene docks and dock fenders are often constructed using UHMW for good reason, as this material can withstand moisture for an extended period, being water-repellant as well as resistant to abrasion; meaning there's almost no risk that boats collide into it when docking.

Boom Trucks and Outrigger Pads

UHMWPE Material is widely utilized for boom trucks and outrigger pads. Due to its low friction coefficient and excellent impact strength, UHMWPE excels in these high-stress applications - such as outrigger pads which help prevent cranes or boom trucks from sliding around unsteady construction sites. Furthermore, its broad temperature tolerance means UHMWPE performs exceptionally outdoors.

• Excellent stress resistance and fracture resistance with 15 times greater wear resistance than carbon steel in terms of wear resistance.
• Fiber Glass yarns are 40% stronger than Aramid yarns and boast excellent chemical resistance to alkalis and acids as well as organic solvents, degreasers, degreasing agents, electrolytic attacks and electrolytic assault. Furthermore, this material boasts excellent dielectric characteristics with outstanding dielectric characteristics for use within medical equipment.
• Low coefficient of friction and self-lubricating properties similar to PTFE; non-staining; approved by FDA for food and medicine usage. Will float freely due to its low specific gravity.

Although UHMWPE may seem ideal, you must be wary of some potential drawbacks before selecting this material for high temperature applications. UHMWPE does not meet these specifications due to having a lower melting point (297-305deg F), as well as having low coefficient of friction, which may present challenges depending on its intended use.

Under constant stress, UHMWPE Material yarns may experience "creep," or the gradual elongation of fibers, creating "creep." While this might appear costly at first glance, given its robust nature you won't require as many materials for purchase as would otherwise be necessary.

Still uncertain if UHMWPE is the appropriate material for your product? Service Thread offers engineered yarns and sewing threads tailored specifically to address product and processing issues for our clients, offering proactive service with personalized attention throughout. Contact us to discover which fiber best meets your application.